Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education is sponsored by Johnson County Community College and the Johnson County Library. Instruction is offered in locations throughout the county.

Who can attend ABE classes?

The program is designed for adults 16 and older who are no longer in school. Remember, classes are small and you will receive individualized attention. Learn at your own pace – you will not be measured against others.

What do we offer?

Free instruction. A $35 nonrefundable material usage fee (payable by check or money order) is due at the required orientation. Here’s what we offer:

• Basic skills instruction in reading, writing, math and everyday survival skills
• GED test prep (General Educational Development)
• A program of study planned to meet your individual learning needs
• Outreach classes located in community centers close to where you live
• Small classes with friendly people who are also seeking basic skills to improve their lives
• A teacher who is also your counselor
• Volunteer tutors to give one-on-one attention

Why take the GED test?

Passing the General Educational Development (GED) test and earning a Kansas state high school diploma opens doors. You’re likely to have more job opportunities and greater chances for more responsible, better-paying jobs. If you choose, you may enroll in college classes.

The state of Kansas requires that you pass the practice test before taking the official GED test. The official GED practice test assesses your strengths, weaknesses and likelihood of success in passing the official GED test. You and your instructor will plan a course of study especially for you.

What are the tests like?

With the exception of one essay section and 20 percent of the mathematics section, questions on the GED test are multiple choice. The questions vary in difficulty and cover a wide range of subjects. Here is a breakdown of the test:

• Language Arts:
  Writing Skills (Part I) 50 questions, 75 minutes
  Writing Skills (Part II) essay, 45 minutes
• Social Studies:
  50 questions, 70 minutes
• Science:
  50 questions, 80 minutes
• Language Arts:
  Reading  40 questions, 65 minutes
• Mathematics:
  Part I 25 questions, 45 minutes
  (Casio FX 260 solar calculator provided)
  Part II 25 questions, 45 minutes

New Student Orientations

All new students attending the Antioch, Olathe, Oak Park and West Park locations will be required to attend an orientation of two sessions, lasting three hours each, that are offered monthly at each center.

The orientation consists of important student information, goal setting and assessments.

Orientation registration is required. Call the center where you would like to attend classes to register.

You must attend both orientation sessions before beginning classes. Late arrivals will not be allowed to enter the orientation.

A $35 check or money order material usage fee is due at orientation.

If you are under 18

Due to the passage of the Kansas Compulsory School Attendance Law, if you are 16 or 17, you must obtain a compulsory school attendance disclaimer and a compulsory attendance exemption form from the public high school in the school district where you currently live.

You must bring your compulsory school attendance disclaimer and compulsory attendance exemption form with you when you come to study or take the GED test. Contact your high school, your school district administrative offices, or the Johnson County Community College Adult Education office at 913-469-7621 for more information.

Notification of test results

You will receive your score report from the JCCC Testing/Assessment Center within a week. Your Kansas state high school diploma from the Kansas Board of Regents will be sent to you approximately four to six weeks after you successfully complete the test.

• Testing Services
  

GED graduation

Upon successful completion of the GED test, you are invited to attend the annual GED graduation ceremony in May in JCCC’s gymnasium.

• GED Graduation Information